Singleton

Today's stitch over a single canvas thread. I think it’s pretty cool you can do this much over a single canvas thread. Just one canvas thread.

Click on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Pinterest account. Visit pinterest.com/whimsicalstitch/whimsicalwednesday for a library of all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

Click on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Instagram account. Visit instagram.com/whimsicalstitch to see a library of stitched samples for select #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

The stitched sample uses a green Neon Rays on the edge of a white column on a Santa from a Melissa Shirley tree skirt. Starting at the top of a column, add an oblique cross stitch (over one row and up two), starting the next oblique cross stitch one row below, with the top of the stitch ending in the skipped row of the previous stitch. My recommended sequence for the individual oblique crosses is included on the right of the diagram.

To be honest, I had forgotten about this stitch. I stumbled across it looking for something else (naturally). The texture and the contrast against the white caught my eye. Voila! I have a blog post. (Seriously…that happens way more than you realize).

It would be a great addition to any striped area, such as a wall, floor, roof, clothing…the list is really quite endless.

This stitch diagram, along with all other #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams, can also be found on a Pinterest board here.

Be sure to follow whimsicalstitch.com on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

If you like what you see on this blog, want to learn some very creative decorative stitches, and how to put them all together, whimsicalstitch.com sells Stitch Guides and Stitch Concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, Sandra Gilmore, Purple Palm, Maggie, and Patience Brewster, and many more. Click here to see the newest guides and click here to see the entire collection.

I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch! Enjoy!  Happy #smallspacesunday!

A Note about Diagrams
I use color in diagrams to make them as clear as possible. The primary function of different colored lines is to illustrate a stitch sequence. For example, layering of colors demonstrates you add them in that order. They can also provide ideas on how to integrate additional threads (one line for each color). Or, you can use the same thread for all color lines. That's where I encourage you to use your imagination for the space you are stitching!

Diamonds Galore

Social media algorithms are scary until they deliver something perfect like they did for me last week.

Click on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Pinterest account. Visit pinterest.com/whimsicalstitch/whimsicalwednesday for a library of all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

Click on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Instagram account. Visit instagram.com/whimsicalstitch to see a library of stitched samples for select #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

The inspiration for today’s stitch was an embroidery diagram Pinterest served up to me after last week’s post. I considered replicating the connected squares by using Smryna Crosses but chose to minimize it via single stitches. I love the precise elegance of it.

As with last week’s stitch, this stitch would be a beautiful floor, sky, wall, plain background, or roof. Notice how the 3X3 diamonds are tent stitches skipping a row in between. You could add small seed beads in those intersections for an even more elegant stitch that would be gorgeous on clothing.

The stitched sample is me playing on 18-mesh canvas with Pepper Pot Silk. I like single strand threads for stitches like this. I like the added height that single strand threads, such as perle cotton, silk perle, single strand silk, and metallic braids add to an area.

This stitch diagram, along with all other #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams, can also be found on a Pinterest board here.

Be sure to follow whimsicalstitch.com on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

If you like what you see on this blog, want to learn some very creative decorative stitches, and how to put them all together, whimsicalstitch.com sells Stitch Guides and Stitch Concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, Sandra Gilmore, Purple Palm, Maggie, and Patience Brewster, and many more. Click here to see the newest guides and click here to see the entire collection.

I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch!  Please enjoy!  

A Note about Diagrams
I use color in diagrams to make them as clear as possible.  The primary function of different colored lines is to illustrate a stitch sequence.  For example, layering of colors demonstrates you add them in that order.  They can also provide ideas on how to integrate additional threads (one line for each color).  Or, you can use the same thread for all color lines.  That's where I encourage you to use your imagination for the space you are stitching!

Squares Can Be Cool

I am a complete square…always have and always will be. But today’s square stitch, unlike me, is very cool.

Click on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Pinterest account. Visit pinterest.com/whimsicalstitch/whimsicalwednesday for a library of all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

Click on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Instagram account. Visit instagram.com/whimsicalstitch to see a library of stitched samples for select #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

The inspiration for today’s stitch was an embroidery diagram I found on Pinterest. It’s another example of what I call Pattern Stitching. I wrote several posts about that a couple years ago (here, here, and here) that provide you with additional insight and ideas for pattern stitching.

The precise pattern makes a beautiful floor, especially if there is gorgeous shading to be shared (as the stitched sample illustrates). A tone on tone version, while more subtle, serves well as a back drop, such as a sky, wall, bed or seat cover, or roof.

The stitched sample uses Princess Perle on 18-mesh. I like single strand threads for stitches like this. I like the added height that single strand threads, such as perle cotton, silk perle, single strand silk, and metallic braids add to an area.

This stitch diagram, along with all other #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams, can also be found on a Pinterest board here.

Be sure to follow whimsicalstitch.com on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

If you like what you see on this blog, want to learn some very creative decorative stitches, and how to put them all together, whimsicalstitch.com sells Stitch Guides and Stitch Concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, Sandra Gilmore, Purple Palm, Maggie, and Patience Brewster, and many more. Click here to see the newest guides and click here to see the entire collection.

I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch!  Please enjoy!  

A Note about Diagrams
I use color in diagrams to make them as clear as possible.  The primary function of different colored lines is to illustrate a stitch sequence.  For example, layering of colors demonstrates you add them in that order.  They can also provide ideas on how to integrate additional threads (one line for each color).  Or, you can use the same thread for all color lines.  That's where I encourage you to use your imagination for the space you are stitching!

Skipping Along

Today’s stitch explodes an old stand by stitch, making it perfect for a small to medium-sized area with shading.

Click on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Pinterest account. Visit pinterest.com/whimsicalstitch/whimsicalwednesday for a library of all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

Click on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Instagram account. Visit instagram.com/whimsicalstitch to see a library of stitched samples for select #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

The stitched sample is from our friends The Marquis Sisters (@themarquissisters on instagram) and uses Straw Silk on the ground of an adorable Raymond Crawford rooster. It’s a great thread choice for the area AND this stitch as the color variations on the thread work perfectly with the colors of the painted ground.

Clearly, the stitch is perfect for a ground cover and, by extension, a green field. I would love to see it as a floor with two different colors. It would be a charming sky with a lightweight Silk Perle or even choppy water with Petite Silk Lame.

This stitch diagram, along with all other #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams, can also be found on a Pinterest board here.

Be sure to follow whimsicalstitch.com on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

If you like what you see on this blog, want to learn some very creative decorative stitches, and how to put them all together, whimsicalstitch.com sells Stitch Guides and Stitch Concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, Sandra Gilmore, Purple Palm, Maggie, and Patience Brewster, and many more. Click here to see the newest guides and click here to see the entire collection.

I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch! Enjoy!  Happy #smallspacesunday!

A Note about Diagrams
I use color in diagrams to make them as clear as possible. The primary function of different colored lines is to illustrate a stitch sequence. For example, layering of colors demonstrates you add them in that order. They can also provide ideas on how to integrate additional threads (one line for each color). Or, you can use the same thread for all color lines. That's where I encourage you to use your imagination for the space you are stitching!

Elegant Simplicity

Beads change everything. Enough said.

Click on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Pinterest account. Visit pinterest.com/whimsicalstitch/whimsicalwednesday for a library of all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

Click on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Instagram account. Visit instagram.com/whimsicalstitch to see a library of stitched samples for select #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

Today’s stitch is the elegant and very close cousin of this stitch on a Melissa Shirley apple purse. It uses a single strand of Petite Silk Lame (black lines) and a Sundance Bead (yellow circles with black lines).

This stitch is great for any area where you want to accentuate the canvas shading. The addition of a bead adds nice texture, meaning it would lend itself nicely to most clothing. For a richer look, consider increasing the weight of the thread to a Very Velvet or single strand silk. Just make sure you use an appropriately sized seed bead (size 11 at a minimum).

I would love to see this as a flowering tree or field with a bead of contrasting color or finish. Stitch the black lines with your favorite variegated wool or perle cotton and add the appropriate bead for the nice pop of texture. It would also make a great snowy roof with a white single strand metallic, such as Crystal Braid or Kreinik Metallics size 8 or 12 with a clear bead. I’ve had fun adding those clear beads with a light blue or white beading thread for a

This stitch diagram, along with all other #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams, can also be found on a Pinterest board here.

Be sure to follow whimsicalstitch.com on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

If you like what you see on this blog, want to learn some very creative decorative stitches, and how to put them all together, whimsicalstitch.com sells Stitch Guides and Stitch Concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, Sandra Gilmore, Purple Palm, Maggie, and Patience Brewster, and many more. Click here to see the newest guides and click here to see the entire collection.

I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch!  Please enjoy!  

A Note about Diagrams
I use color in diagrams to make them as clear as possible.  The primary function of different colored lines is to illustrate a stitch sequence.  For example, layering of colors demonstrates you add them in that order.  They can also provide ideas on how to integrate additional threads (one line for each color).  Or, you can use the same thread for all color lines.  That's where I encourage you to use your imagination for the space you are stitching!

Throwing Shade

When I picked up stitching again in the mid-’90s, I insisted every single intersection on canvas be covered. Every. Single. One. The good news? I got over it. A patient teacher and shading on canvases from artists such as Melissa Shirley, David Galchutt, and Lani changed my mind. Today’s stitched sample illustrates why I am so grateful I got over it.

Click on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Pinterest account. Visit pinterest.com/whimsicalstitch/whimsicalwednesday for a library of all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

Click on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Instagram account. Visit instagram.com/whimsicalstitch to see a library of stitched samples for select #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

Today’s stitch comes from a Lani succulent canvas. It uses a single strand of Impressions (black lines), Flair (aqua lines), and translucent Sundance beads. This stitch covers one of the succulents, providing eye appeal yet integrating the beautiful jewel tones of the canvas into the stitch in a subtle way. (For you eagle eyes out there, not all of the beads are included in the stitched sample yet as it is a work in progress.)

This stitch would be great for clothing, holiday bags, and even greenery. Consider a silk floss for the black lines, a Kreinik 1/16” ribbon for the turquoise lines, and a small Swarovski crystal for the bead for clothing. To create a more matte look for a holiday bag, use a single strand silk (black lines), Very Velvet (turquoise lines), and a Sundance matte bead for the bead. If you want to use this for greenery, consider Silk ‘N Colors overdyed silk floss (black lines), a solid color silk floss (turquoise lines), and a contrasting color bead for the bead.

This stitch diagram, along with all other #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams, can also be found on a Pinterest board here.

Be sure to follow whimsicalstitch.com on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

If you like what you see on this blog, want to learn some very creative decorative stitches, and how to put them all together, whimsicalstitch.com sells Stitch Guides and Stitch Concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, Sandra Gilmore, Purple Palm, Maggie, and Patience Brewster, and many more. Click here to see the newest guides and click here to see the entire collection.

I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch!  Please enjoy!  

A Note about Diagrams
I use color in diagrams to make them as clear as possible.  The primary function of different colored lines is to illustrate a stitch sequence.  For example, layering of colors demonstrates you add them in that order.  They can also provide ideas on how to integrate additional threads (one line for each color).  Or, you can use the same thread for all color lines.  That's where I encourage you to use your imagination for the space you are stitching!

Bling to the Rescue!

Today’s #stitchingsunday is full of sparkle, which is great anecdote to the gray skies that seem to be everywhere of late. (Oh, February, I’m glad you are a short month.)

Click on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Instagram account. Visit instagram.com/whimsicalstitch to see a library of stitched samples for select #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

Click on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Pinterest account. Visit pinterest.com/whimsicalstitch/whimsicalwednesday for a library of all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

Today’s Bling Stitch variation uses Splendor (black lines), Kreinik Metallics Fine Braid (gray lines), and Flair (turquoise lines). It’s from a recently added Stitch Concept, Ruff Day in Wine Country by Maggie & Co. The canvas and the guide are full of whimsy and color.

This stitch diagram, along with all other #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams, can also be found on a Pinterest board here.

Be sure to follow whimsicalstitch.com on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

If you like what you see on this blog, want to learn some very creative decorative stitches, and how to put them all together, whimsicalstitch.com sells Stitch Guides and Stitch Concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, Sandra Gilmore, Purple Palm, Maggie, and Patience Brewster, and many more. Click here to see the newest guides and click here to see the entire collection.

I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch! Happy #stitchingsunday! I wish you a very happy and joyous New Year!

A Note about Diagrams
I use color in diagrams to make them as clear as possible. The primary function of different colored lines is to illustrate a stitch sequence. For example, layering of colors demonstrates you add them in that order. They can also provide ideas on how to integrate additional threads (one line for each color). Or, you can use the same thread for all color lines. That's where I encourage you to use your imagination for the space you are stitching!

Hello Gorgeous!

Today’s stitch is beautiful…and deceptive. The truth is that it is far easier than either the diagram or the stitched sample portray.

Click on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Pinterest account. Visit pinterest.com/whimsicalstitch/whimsicalwednesday for a library of all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

Click on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Instagram account. Visit instagram.com/whimsicalstitch to see a library of stitched samples for select #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

Once I saw the pattern as blocks of diagonal stitches six rows high instead of separate blocks of red stitches (three rows high) and blocks of pink stitches (also three rows high), it all came together for me. It took a couple false starts before this was obvious to me. I think the effect is far more dramatic if you use contrasting colors (as the stitch sample illustrates) versus contrasting finishes in the same color family.

The stitched sample is me playing on blank canvas with Very Velvet (aqua lines) and Shimmer Ribbon (black lines).

This is truly an all purpose full coverage stitch. It would make a wonderful pair of pants with a Gloriana Lorikeet with a Vineyard Silk a or a Soie D’Alger paired with a Gloriana Pashmina. It will make a great tree or ground cover with a combo of a solid Burmilana and a ThreadWorx overdyed Floss or Perle Cotton. Consider using it for a wall with lightweight thread combos, such as size 8 or size 12 silk or cotton perle along with a lightweight metallic, such as Petite Silk Lame or a size 8 Kreinik Metallic.

This stitch diagram, along with all other #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams, can also be found on a Pinterest board here.

Be sure to follow whimsicalstitch.com on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

If you like what you see on this blog, want to learn some very creative decorative stitches, and how to put them all together, whimsicalstitch.com sells Stitch Guides and Stitch Concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, Sandra Gilmore, Purple Palm, Maggie, and Patience Brewster, and many more. Click here to see the newest guides and click here to see the entire collection.

I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch!  Please enjoy!  

A Note about Diagrams
I use color in diagrams to make them as clear as possible.  The primary function of different colored lines is to illustrate a stitch sequence.  For example, layering of colors demonstrates you add them in that order.  They can also provide ideas on how to integrate additional threads (one line for each color).  Or, you can use the same thread for all color lines.  That's where I encourage you to use your imagination for the space you are stitching!

Back to, um, Square One

Today’s return to box beads is completely unintentional, but they are perfect. They make a huge (no pun intended) difference in today’s beautiful composite stitch

Click on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Pinterest account. Visit pinterest.com/whimsicalstitch/whimsicalwednesday for a library of all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

Click on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Instagram account. Visit instagram.com/whimsicalstitch to see a library of stitched samples for select #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

Today's stitch comes from the same Melissa Shirley fruit purse from a couple weeks ago. (Note: the stitched purse in the link is not mine.) It’s all metallic and beads. The stitched sample uses Crystal Braid (black lines), Kreinik Metallic (turquoise lines), and Sundance Box Beads (yellow circles).

Yes, the diagram uses a circle to denote the box bead. Really, any oversized bead will do. As size 6 and 8 beads are more common, I chose to use a circle.

Clearly, this is a standout stitch. Use it on an area you want to draw attention to, such as a dramatic dress, coat, or Santa bag. You can replace the single large bead with a 2X2 square of single seed beads. All of the threads in the stitched sample are metallics; consider using a rich Very Velvet or an elegant silk floss for the black lines to give it more contrast.

This stitch diagram, along with all other #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams, can also be found on a Pinterest board here.

Be sure to follow whimsicalstitch.com on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

If you like what you see on this blog, want to learn some very creative decorative stitches, and how to put them all together, whimsicalstitch.com sells Stitch Guides and Stitch Concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, Sandra Gilmore, Purple Palm, Maggie, and Patience Brewster, and many more. Click here to see the newest guides and click here to see the entire collection.

I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch!  Please enjoy!  

A Note about Diagrams
I use color in diagrams to make them as clear as possible.  The primary function of different colored lines is to illustrate a stitch sequence.  For example, layering of colors demonstrates you add them in that order.  They can also provide ideas on how to integrate additional threads (one line for each color).  Or, you can use the same thread for all color lines.  That's where I encourage you to use your imagination for the space you are stitching!

Super #smallspacesunday

No matter your POV on the Super Bowl, it’s a great day to stitch. Football is great Stitch TV. If you aren’t a passionate football fan and, like me, stuck in some less than ideal weather, what a great excuse to snuggle inside and stitch. Today’s #smallspacesunday stitch is a great addition to an already perfect day.

Click on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Pinterest account. Visit pinterest.com/whimsicalstitch/whimsicalwednesday for a library of all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

Click on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Instagram account. Visit instagram.com/whimsicalstitch to see a library of stitched samples for select #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

The stitched sample is from our friend, Sarah (via our other friend Amy Poore of A Poore Girl Paints). As the background stitch, it adds interest but doesn’t overpower the rest of the adorable-ness of the piece.

I’ve used this stitch in a few Stitch Concepts. It’s great for a small area of snow with a metallic such as Entice or Kreinik. I’ve used it for a floor with Elegance. To add some interest, consider alternating thread colors or finishes by column (horizontal or vertical…it does not matter).

This stitch diagram, along with all other #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams, can also be found on a Pinterest board here.

Be sure to follow whimsicalstitch.com on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

If you like what you see on this blog, want to learn some very creative decorative stitches, and how to put them all together, whimsicalstitch.com sells Stitch Guides and Stitch Concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, Sandra Gilmore, Purple Palm, Maggie, and Patience Brewster, and many more. Click here to see the newest guides and click here to see the entire collection.

hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch! Enjoy!  Happy #smallspacesunday!

A Note about Diagrams
I use color in diagrams to make them as clear as possible. The primary function of different colored lines is to illustrate a stitch sequence. For example, layering of colors demonstrates you add them in that order. They can also provide ideas on how to integrate additional threads (one line for each color). Or, you can use the same thread for all color lines. That's where I encourage you to use your imagination for the space you are stitching!